Wisconsin Severe Storms and Flooding (DR-1719)

Updates and Articles, Blogs, and News Releases

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- From the beginning of a disaster to the long term recovery efforts, volunteers band together to assist communities. When the severe storms and flooding in August washed out roads and flooded numerous homes and businesses, volunteer agencies stepped up to respond immediately.

La Crosse, Wis. -- Federal, state and local officials announced today a joint initiative to expedite the flow of federal funds to Wisconsin applicants of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Public Assistance Grant Program.

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Disaster assistance has topped $10.7 million for the 14 Wisconsin counties hard hit by the Aug. 18-31 storms and flooding, according to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Registration for FEMA individual assistance closes Oct. 25. The deadline for homeowners, renters and businesses submitting applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also Oct. 25. Anyone who was impacted by the storms and flooding Aug. 18-31 and has not applied, should do so before these dates.

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Counseling support is available to those affected by the August flooding that may be experiencing common reactions such as disbelief, feeling overwhelmed, trouble eating and sleeping, nightmares or worrying. Counselors will listen, provide emotional support and provide a link to needed resources.

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Wisconsin residents are urged to consult local building officials for information and permits when considering new construction or repairs on property affected by recent flooding.
Obtaining building permits for homes or businesses located within the 100-year flood plain is especially important, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. For floodplain management purposes, the floodplain is the area covered by a flood that has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.

LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Providing assistance to individuals and businesses is not the only concern of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM). Public Assistance (PA) grants will soon help Wisconsin communities recoup emergency response and debris removal costs, and repair infrastructure including roads and public buildings.

Public Assistance (PA): Disaster grant assistance available for communities to quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President

Emergency Work (Categories A-B): Work that must be performed to reduce or eliminate an immediate threat to life, protect public health and safety, and to protect improved property that is significantly threatened due to disasters or emergencies declared by the President

Permanent Work (Categories C-G): Work that is required to restore a damaged facility, through repair or restoration, to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity in accordance with applicable codes and standards